A Blissful Day

Hello, Mr. Bliss here.  Kim wanted me to let you all know that baby Cole arrived this afternoon at 12:16pm.  He is 7lbs, 14oz ans 20 inches.  Mom and baby are doing fine.  Kim will follow-up with a full report when she is feeling better.  In the meantime you can see pix, stats and sign Cole's  guest book at www.colemclaughlin.com.

End of a Journey, Beginning of a New Adventure....

This morning we are headed to the hospital for the long-awaited arrival of our baby boy.  A C-section is scheduled for 11:30.  It has been a long journey, but we are excited and looking forward to the new adventure that awaits our family in the next chapter of our lives.

Thank you all for the constant prayers, thoughts and well-wishes.  It has meant so much.

xoxo,
Kim

I'm A Stylish Blogger!!

Many thanks to my sweet friend CAS at An Oasis In The Desert for giving me this fun award.  I always enjoy getting to know my blog friends better through these cute little bios!


 Seven things about myself:


1. I am a Jersey Girl, born and bred.  Lived here my whole life and will probably never leave        (unless I win the HGTV Dream Home 2011, in which case I will be moving to Stowe, VT.)


2. I graduated from Rutgers University in 1991, got engaged to my college sweetie in 1992, we married exactly 1 year later in 1993, bought our first house in 1994 and had our first child in 1995.


3. If you didn't figure this out yet from #2, I'm very methodical and routine-oriented.  "Spontaneous" is not in my vocabulary!


4. I am one of three children - 2 older girls and a boy.  My husband is also one of three children - 2 older girls and a boy.  So naturally, we have 2 older girls and a boy (by next week.)  By now you have probably figured out that I'm just a little anal.


5.  I hate network television.  By that I mean, sitcoms and dramas.  I prefer shows on cable channels like HGTV, Bravo, Discovery and History.  Although I will admit to the guilty pleasure of The Real Housewives of (fill in the blank) and  Jerseylicious, which is NOT a good representation of true Jersey people, I assure you!


6. I hate crowds and avoid them at all costs.  


7. I never go to concerts (refer to #6).  But mostly because I don't believe in the concept of paying a lot of money to hear someone sing when I can just buy the song on ITunes for a buck and listen to it on my IPod in the comfort of my own space.


If you are a follower/friend, then go ahead and grab the Stylish Blogger Award and tell others more about yourself.  It's a fun way to get to know each other better, don't ya think??


Have a wonderful weekend.  Today is hubby's birthday (he's 43!) and we will be celebrating at home with family.


xoxo,
Kim

2011 Project

I've enjoyed browsing Blogland recently and seeing all of the ambitious projects you all have in store for the new year.  I have to say, it has inspired me to start putting a plan together of my own and start prioritizing and budgeting.  

With our new baby almost here, Rich and I are planning to spend a lot more time at home in the near future and so we would like to make our basement a more usable family space.  When we finished the basement years ago, Rich had the idea to make a half-wall with a cutout space.  On one side is his office and on the other is the family TV area.  What I would like to do is enlarge the ledge area to accommodate some barstools and hold beverages and snacks.  

So when the fine folks at CSN asked me to do a review of  home bar furniture, the timing couldn't have been more perfect!  I've been having fun browsing their site for barstools and other items I will be needing for this particular project i.e. area rugs, accent pieces and furniture.  I've narrowed my search down to the following three stools:

I like the design of this one and the nailhead trim around the leather seat.

This one had me at hello with its gorgeous French Country look.

This one is similar, but I was taken by the lattice design.  

Whatever project you are working on, be sure to check out CSN for their wide selection and affordable prices.  Let's continue to inspire each other and share ideas in the new year!

xoxo,

Kim

Generosity of Blog Friends

Since I began blogging almost 2 years ago I've met some of the most generous and thoughtful women from all over the world who continue to touch my heart each and every day.  I've received awards, gifts, notes/cards in the mail and even phone calls from afar.  I believe that God brought me to this place to connect with these wonderful women who lift me up when I seem to need it the most.

Yesterday was one of those days.  I was having a pity party for myself.  I'm at the tail end of a long and difficult pregnancy and I have not been a happy camper.  In all honesty, I'm completely miserable.  I can't stand it anymore and I want it to be over.

So when I came home from my ultrasound (the 9th of this pregnancy!) I was overwhelmed to have received a package from a very dear blog friend.

Kim from Kimberly's Korner sent me a gift for my baby and it touched my heart and lifted me up at just the right moment.

A sweet sleeper

And an adorable keepsake photo frame that will soon hold a picture of my own sweet baby boy.

I cried as I thought about the fact that we have never even met in person, but I feel such a connection to Kim, as with so many of you that I have come to know and love.

Thank you Kim!

On a side note, at yesterday's ultrasound, the tech told us that Cole is 8 lbs. 3 oz.
In the very beginning of this incredible journey, we were told that we'd be lucky if he was a normal weight.  Because of the Ablation I had last year, getting nutrients to him in the womb would be very difficult.  This little guy continues to baffle doctors and defy the odds.  I am only 36 weeks.

We are hoping to have a C-section next week, but my OB cautioned me not to get my hopes up.  They will need to perform an Amniocentesis on Wed. to see if Cole's lungs are mature enough.  After yesterday's news, I can't imagine that he won't be ready.  Please continue to keep us in prayer.   I thank you all for your well-wishes and continued thoughts and prayers.

xoxo,
Kim

Craig's List Series #11

This series of posts features Craig's List finds from my area of the country, South Jersey/Philadelphia.  Even if you don't live in this area, and most of you don't, I thought it would be fun to show you some interesting and unique pieces and what they are worth.  If you are in the market for rare antiques or just trying to gain a knowledge for what pieces are worth, I strongly suggest you visit Craig's List and scour the antique category.  

Most sellers will try to give as much information about a piece as possible.  So as a regular visitor to CL, I've gained a knowledge of terminology and time-period, as well as an understanding of which pieces are rare as opposed to those that are a dime a dozen.  For this series, I'm showing you the ones I think are either rare, very interesting, or an extremely good value. 

Please note:  Unless otherwise stated, I did NOT purchase any of these items.


Welcome back to one of my favorite series here at My Domestic Bliss.  Actually, it's the only series at MDB, but it's one that you all seem to like, so I'm gonna keep doing them!


There's been a lot of bad press about Craig's List lately, so I caution you to be careful when buying or selling.  It can be a great resource either way, you just need to use some common sense.


I have some great things to show you, so let's get started!


This antique vanity with tri-fold mirror was listed for only $50.  I can SO see this paired with a sweet little upholstered bench.

A gorgeous French-style chest for only $150.  Look at the condition of this thing!  Doesn't look like there's a scratch on it, and I love the grain of the wood.  The hardware is also stunning.  A steal if you ask me!

I see tons of secretaries listed on CL and they usually go for around $300.  This one was listed for $195.  Obviously not an antique, but I love the uniqueness of it nonetheless.  And if I were in the market for one, I would totally have snatched this up.

Also looks like it's in perfect condition.

A more traditional style secretary, this piece was listed for only $50.  It needs a little work, but could easily be fixed.  I love the serpentine drawers.  

Anyone in need of a sideboard would be crazy not to take advantage of this deal.  While the owner has disclosed that it has a few scratches and knicks as well as a sticky drawer, at $20 I think those could be overlooked!

Equally beautiful and cheap are these next two servers, listed for $30 and $40 respectively, the latter in need of a new handle.

Along the same lines is this beautiful China Cabinet listed for just $50.

As well as this one, also listed for $50.

People, you just can't get any cheaper than this!


And this china cabinet is ridiculously cheap at $100.  Look at the gorgeous color of the wood and the detail in the glass doors.  Also love the feet.

I know many of you are like me and can't resist an accent table.  They are just so easy to find a home for and at this price you can't go wrong.  An antique empire side table for $90.  Again, love the wood grain and the condition looks amazing.  

A sweet pink armoire, perfect for a nursery or little girl's room and listed for just $25.

I fell in love with this music stand, but didn't want to cough up the $100.  Still a good price and how cool is it?  So many different uses.

I was SOOO tempted on this next one.  I just fell in love with the traditional look of it and it would have gone perfect in just about any room of my home.  A gorgeous black hand-painted planter listed for just $50.  Kicking myself now...

This huge mirror was a steal for only $45.  

A bronze chandelier for only $50.

Love it!


A king size Pottery Barn quilt set, including shams and skirt for only $40.  A good deal even after you factor in the cost of dry cleaning.

I will finish up in typical fashion, saving the best/creepiest for last.


A pair of decorative casket handles - $35.

well, they are decorative....


And.....


wait for it.....


it's worth the wait.....


trust me......


A funeral body carrier!

I promise, I'm not making this stuff up!  Not sure why it's referred to that way - looks more like a casket to me.  


Unfortunately, there was no price attached to this one so it's anyone's guess what it went for.  Who am I kidding....


Thanks again for stopping by and I hope you enjoyed this installment of my Craig's List series.  


I hope you are enjoying a great week.  We are snowed in up here in Jersey and I'm still in my pj's!  Gonna make a nice breakfast soon.......for dinner!
xoxo,
Kim

CHECK THIS OUT!!!

I am beyond excited to share this news with you.  One of our talented bloggy friend is going to be featured on The Nate Berkus Show today!!!  


Chic Little House, an extremely talented blogger (I did a post about this phenom here) just announced on her blog today this amazingly exciting news!  Please be sure to tune in and if you get a chance, go on over to CLH and congratulate her.


Way to go Mrs. Chic!!!  You hit the big time!


xoxo,
Kim

The Countdown Begins!

Only 9 days left until the arrival of my little man!  That's right, what once seemed like an eternity is now only days away as I am scheduled to have a C-section on January 20th.  I've been keeping busy by nesting around the house.  


Today I'm joining Marty's Tabletop Tuesday party at A Stroll Thru Life, showing off the new centerpiece I made for my Dining Room table.


I found this beautiful container at Tuesday Morning.

And by adding some of these faux pears, stolen from the kitchen,

and the faux stems shown here on the buffet,

I created this:

I like how it turned out as a centerpiece.

Not too big, not too small.  Just right.  Although I'm sure I'll be tweaking it as I always do.


What I love most about it is that it blends in with the surroundings in the Dining Room.


The black with gold trim coordinates nicely with the chandelier that hangs above.

And the floral detail on the container blends in with some other elements in the room.


I have a hand-painted chest under the buffet that was given to me by my husband's parents.

The pictures on the adjacent wall have a similar floral motif.

As well as my antique hand-painted tilt-top table in the corner of the room, purchased from an antique store last year.

And lastly, the pillows on my armchairs.

I also changed out the display on my buffet.  
It went from this:

To this:

I found this container on the Island of Misfit Decor, aka, my storage room, and added the orbs, also from the Island.

Another look:

Here's a look at the room as a whole.

I'm still in need of a new area rug.  And I can't forget to include a photo of my favorite flea market find ever, my Florentine nesting tables.

I hope you enjoyed this little tour of my nest.  Please visit Marty for more inspiring tabletops!


xoxo,
Kim

Shhhh....Do You Hear That??

That's the sound of me going "Aahhhhhh".  The sound I make when all of my Christmas decorations are down, the house is clean and I feel like I can breathe again.  Such a great feeling.  And so great to have my house back to normal.

Since I was already in declutter mode, I moved things around in here and did a huge purge.  I've got at least 3 totes headed to Goodwill.

But I won't get too used to this feeling of calm.  In about 2 weeks, this wide open space will be filled once again.  Only this time, instead of Christmas trees and garland, it will be baby swing, bouncy seat and bassinet!  Oh Boy!